There is an old heritage building to the back of Betwa Retreat called the Chaupal. The structure has Indo-Islamic features and domes and is painted on with images of what appear to be the Pandavas. The building is not in use, but it lays the context, both for the city Orchha as well as this excellent hotel run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism.
Set right next to the river Betwa, the retreat is a lovely place for you to unpack your bags and set about enjoying this historic town. When you step out of the hotel gates, just cross the road, saunter down the steps of the Kanchan Ghat and the river is right there, gushing along, working up froth. Stand here for a few moments and take in the magnificent setting that the Bundela King Raja Rudra Pratap Singh chose for his capital. Turn right from here and walk on along the bank for five minutes and you will come to a set of striking structures. Set among calm lawns, these are the chhatris, or the cenotaphs, of Bundela royals. Sit here for a little while as you watch the river go by… pondering on life and perhaps even death.
The Betwa Retreat is not your usual high-rise hotel. Appointed on a small hillock, it has 30 rooms in all, scattered across the undulations, leading up and down many garden steps. There is one heritage stay (an honest-to-goodness medieval structure which has been beautifully renovated), 14 cottage rooms and 15 tents standing around the swimming pool for those who like their stay spiced with adventure. The pretty restaurant has a varied menu and they do the local fare very well.
The garden here is particularly delightful. Apart from a profusion of flowers, there are patches allotted to radish, okra, green onions, etc.; the kitchen uses these whenever possible. The hotel has some play equipment set up for kids and for real adventure the adults can ask the hotel staff to arrange for rafting along the white waters of the Betwa. If you prefer to stay on solid ground, ask for bicycles at the reception that you can use to wander around town.
Want to feel right at home in a medieval city? Betwa Retreat lets you do just that.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Getting There
Betwa Retreat is right by the river Betwa, a stone’s throw from the Royal Chhatris
Betwa Retreat
Address: Betwa Retreat, Orchha Bypass Road, Orchha
Email: [email protected]; Tel: 07680-252618
Website: http://www.mpstdc.com/properties/mpt-betwa-retreat-orchha/
Tariff: Starts from INR2,890